Pastor Malcolm Gunson Brown, 91, went to be with Jesus, his Lord and Savior on August 12, 2018. He leaves behind a lasting legacy created by his love for Christ, his family, and his love for the people he served.

Malcolm was born April 11, 1927, in Detroit, Michigan, the oldest child of Ralph and Mabel Gunson Brown. He lived most of his childhood in Muskegon, Michigan, and graduated early from Muskegon High School so that he could enlist in the US Navy during World War II. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he enrolled at the University of Michigan to major in history. Malcolm also played clarinet in the Michigan Marching Band and had the privilege of marching in the Rose Bowl parade twice.

Malcolm met his wife Marjorie while they were both students at U of M, and they were married in 1950. After their graduation from Michigan, Malcolm continued his education at Princeton Seminary, graduating in 1953. While at the Seminary, one of his guest lecturers was Albert Einstein, a professor at Princeton University.

He made a decision to follow Jesus Christ as a youth in Muskegon, and his faith deepened while serving his country in the Pacific during WWII. Malcolm and Marjorie’s strong Christian convictions led them to the ministry and together they provided a foundation of Christian faith for their children and the church families that they served.

Malcolm loved to preach and also had a strong focus on shepherding and serving the congregations entrusted to his leadership. He served as Pastor at 1st Presbyterian in Carteret, New Jersey, as an Associate Pastor at 1st Presbyterian in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and as Senior Pastor of 1st Presbyterian of Mt Pleasant Michigan. He was called to be the first pastor of Mt Pleasant Community Church, and finally served at Covenant Presbyterian in Ann Arbor, before retiring in 1988. Over 100 people have entered the ministry or missionary work as a result of Malcolm’s ministry. After retirement, Malcolm and Marjorie moved to New Era, Michigan, where Malcolm continued to preach often and to serve as a mentor for many of the local pastors. He was informally known for many years as the “Bishop of Oceana County”. During retirement he wrote two books, “Forever Faith, and “The Adventure of the Christian Life” which reflect his love of scripture and his experiences during a lifetime of ministry.

Malcolm loved people and could establish a relationship quickly with just about anyone he met. He enjoyed sharing laughter with others. His family has fond memories of summer vacations which were mostly spent near Michigan lakes and that were filled with swimming, laughter, and enjoying the Sunfish sailboat.

Malcolm was preceded in death by his son-in-law John Charles Tousley.

He is survived by his wife, Marjorie of Mt Pleasant, his sister Margaret McKennel of Toronto, Ontario, children Stuart Brown (Carol) of Midland, Debbie Wallin (Dean) of Mt Pleasant, Sandy Tousley of Mt Pleasant, and Lisa Malveaux (Greg) of Ellicott City, Maryland, seven grandchildren, Matt (Valeria), Tim (Kelsey), and Jeff Brown, Bret (Sarah), and Bethany Wallin, Megan (Eric) Nollet, and Gabriel Malveaux, as well as three great-grandchildren, Mila, Skyler, and Lucy.

The family is deeply grateful to the staff at Green Acres of Mt Pleasant and the MidMichigan Hospice Program for their care of Malcolm.

Funeral services will take place at 11AM Saturday, August 18, 2018 at Mt Pleasant Community Church, 1400 W Broomfield St, Mt Pleasant, with Pastors Wally Hostetter and Alan Cullen officiating.

Visitation will take place on Friday from 2-4PM and 6-8PM at Clark Family Funeral Chapel, 114 S Bradley St, Mt Pleasant, and at the church on Saturday from 10AM until the time of the service.

Gifts in memory of Malcolm may be sent to Mt Pleasant Community Church and designated in Malcolm’s memory for the Deacon Fund.

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